9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Wood Burning Fireplace
Why Does My Wood Burning Fireplace Produce Less Heat?
There's nothing like a crackling wood fire on a chilly evening. Many homeowners make use of wood fireplaces to warm their homes.
To ensure that fireplaces that burn wood are functioning properly, they must undergo regular maintenance and cleaning. This includes chimney sweeps and inspections, and avoiding burning wet or unseasoned wood.
Efficient Heating
Wood-burning fireplaces bring warmth and comfort to any home. However, many homeowners wonder why their fireplaces produce less heat than they would imagine. The answer lies in the result of a number of factors like the type of wood used, how the fire is built and the amount of air inside the room.
To burn, wood burning stoves small must combust to create hot gasses. Wood combustion is a complicated process that occurs in three phases that include dehydration, gasification, and charcoal burning. In the first stage the wood's water evaporates and the organic material begins to break down. This releases flammable gases. The gasses then ignite, causing the wood to ignite, releasing plenty of heat. This heat is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), the amount of energy required to raise one pound of water to one degree Fahrenheit.
Open fireplaces can draw up to two hundred cubic feet of air into the chimney. This warms the air in your home, and also removes the unwanted byproducts that result from burning wood. This can lower the overall heating capacity of your home and cause drafts. This issue can be cured by using a high-efficiency, certified by the EPA for wood burning fireplaces.
It is crucial to build a fire with the longest time possible and use the right kind of wood. Dry or mature wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke and creosote buildup. Dry wood is also easier to light and burns at a higher temperature that maximizes the production of heat.
Keeping your home well insulated and making sure that all vents have been properly sealed will prevent cold air from entering these sources. Lastly, the use of fans is a good way to distribute the heat generated by your fireplace across the home, rather than sending it all up the chimney.
Environmentally Friendly
The sound of the wood fireplace's crackling and the natural smell as well as flickering flame create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They also add a traditional style to many homes. The fire itself can provide warmth but it's the radiant heat from the ashes that makes the fireplace truly relaxing and enjoyable. Ash can also be used to enrich soil and gardens, and also reduce harmful compounds such as arsenic and lead.
Traditional wood stoves have a minimal environmental impact if they are made from sustainable fuel and burned in a dependable fireplace. Unsustainable methods of logging can result in destruction of forests, causing disruption to ecosystems and causing environmental damage. To ensure efficient combustion and reduce emissions, the wood used in fireplaces should be properly cleaned and seasoned.
The moisture in damp, rotten or mouldy wood releases pollutants like particulate matter and carbon monoxide when it is burned. These pollutants are harmful to humans and can cause respiratory illnesses, particularly in those with existing conditions like asthma. Fortunately, stricter government regulations help improve air quality by requiring better-burning wood stoves.
Modern stoves offer more complete combustion, releasing less carbon dioxide and other harmful gases into the air. This is accomplished through the use of various fuels, including pellets from recycled wood that are more efficient than logs. These stoves also have catalytic combustors, which further reduce emissions.
Another alternative is a fireplace made of gas, which uses electricity generated from coal-based fossil fuels and produces fewer greenhouse gases than wood-burning stoves. The combustion process creates nitrogen dioxides and other harmful pollutants, which could contribute to global warming and poor air quality.
It's important to consult an expert on fireplace installation and safety to ensure your home meets local building codes and is in compliance with safety standards, which can prevent fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning. A professional can also offer advice on the best ways to use and maintain your fireplace to maximize its capacity to warm your home and reduce emissions. Specialized fireplace accessories such as blowers and heat-exchangers can also aid in the distribution of warm air throughout your home.
Aesthetically appealing
A fireplace with wood burning can transform the cold winter night into a warm and inviting space. The fireplace is not only a source for heat; it's also a focal point that encourages interaction and entertainment. A fireplace that is properly designed can enhance the unique design of your home, whether it is sleek and modern or traditional with intricate stone details.
The crackling flames, occasional firework-like sparks, and even the smell of wood like fir gives a fireplace an organic look that creates a warm and inviting ambience to any space. If you choose to go with a traditional open-hearth fireplace including decorative elements and carefully selected accessories can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Wood fireplaces offer a unique and beautiful feature, they do require regular maintenance, which includes cleaning. It is important to regularly clean out the ash, and to make sure that the chimney does not become blocked or overloaded. For those interested in a more low-maintenance option you might want to consider gas fireplaces.
As technology is evolving, more people are seeking energy efficient heating systems in their homes. Modern gas-powered fireplaces offer many of the same benefits like traditional wood-burning fireplaces without the need for maintenance or the reliance on flammable sources of fuel.
Electric fireplaces come in a variety of styles and can be wired or connected to an outlet in the wall. Some models can be wall-mounted and others are freestanding. They resemble real flames using LED lights and speakers that emit crackling sounds. They're not the most efficient type of heat source, however they are a great alternative to a less efficient wood-burning fireplace when you don't have enough space for a traditional hearth.
It is crucial to choose the best option for your home. The fireplace you select will not only affect the way your living area is used, but will also affect the value of your home. Make sure to speak with an expert to find the best option for your requirements.
Low Maintenance
Wood fireplaces are a great option for people who want to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Firewood is a renewable resource and can be sourced from local forests, and then sold locally to help the local community. It is also a more affordable alternative to natural gas and heating oil. It releases less pollutants and creates a more natural atmosphere. It is important to only use wood that has been treated to your fireplace. The risk of a dangerous creosote is lower when using the wood that has been seasoned.
It is crucial to check your chimney system regularly to ensure that it is functioning effectively. A blocked fireplace can release harmful byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, smoke and other byproducts. The chimney must be cleaned at least every year to get rid of creosote, ash, and other accumulated debris from the fire chamber and flue. It is also an excellent idea to clean the firebox on a regular basis to keep it clean and prevent excessive buildup.
Another benefit of a wood-burning fireplace is that it provides back-up heat in the event an outage in power. Stockpiling seasoned firewood allows you to heat your home for a few days without the need to use your generator. This is a great method to cut down on your dependence on utility companies and prepare for power outages caused by winter storms or ice storms that damage tree branches and knock down the lower hanging wires.
Wood burning fireplaces also add a unique touch to any room thanks to their smoky, crackling fire. The smoky and odor of a burning fire in a wood-burning fireplace can't be matched by other alternatives. It can make the room feel cozy and warm, and is ideal for hosting family and friends.
Our experts can assist you to understand the advantages of a wood fireplace as an old-fashioned source of heating. Contact us today to start!